Please post your music reviews in the comments section. Don't forget to include your name.
6 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Mando Diao "Ode to Ochrasy"
This is the third album of Swedish band Mando Diao released in 2006. It's different from previous accomplishments, but still has indie feeling, either in melodious rock tunes or in calm, mild ballads. Their compositions have been always inspired by music of early 60' - bands like The Beatles or The Kinks exerted great influence on them. Their first LP recorded in basement sounded quite rough, but authentic at the same time, as if it was recorded 40 years ago. "Ode to Ochrasy" has the same old soul, but technically is distinctly better.
The band covered a long distance since Gustaf Noren and Bjorn Dixgard - two friends from industrial town of Borlange, Sweden, started to play music. Both were playing guitar and both wanted to sing, and it wasn't problem to them to make a deal. Each has his own songs, so they can exchanging each other during concert, which they find really convenient. Soon to this promising duet joined Samuel Giers - drummer, Carl Johan Fogelklou - bass player and Matts Bjorke - hey.
Let's focus on the album and its first song "Welcome home Luc Robitaille", which is very energetic and spry, but lyrics are somewhat bitter. It was written by Gustaf and it's his reflection about childhood. In following tune, "Killer Kaczynski", pace isn't any slower. The song is imposing frantic atmosphere, with aggressive guitars, trumpets in chorus and Bjorn screaming at the top of his voice. Then we have "Long before Rock'n'Roll" which appeal lies in double vocal - it isn't usual for them to sing together in one song, previously it happened only once on their second album. However this uncommon co-operation isn't the only advantage of this lively piece. Other tracks which deserve a mention are: “Tony Zoulias (lustful life)”, song with interesting introduction played on piano that often opens Mando Diao’s shows; “Josephine”, slow, with drums in the foreground and – this time – sensitive Bjorn’s voice who tells sad story of girl who became drug addict; “Good Morning Herr Horst”, short one, yet unique on this album, seems to be a joke, with western feeling, we can almost see Bjorn walking down the street, wearing cowboy boots, singing “So if you see me on the street/ Don't ask me about my passing days/ Just slip another coin/ And walk away”. The time has come to say something about poignant final track, which indeed stands out and in my opinion is absolute masterpiece, supreme punchline for this album. Song is called just “Ochrasy”, word thought up by Bjorn which define peculiar period of time between 4 and 5 AM, when most unexpected things can happen. The song, even if its calm, simply crushes you, especially when performed live . Concentration and engagement, just Bjorn and gentle sound of his guitar.
Touch And Go is not exactly a band, it is rather a musical project made by television composer David Lowe, veteran radio presenter and music journalist Charlie Gillett and co-founder of Oval Music, Gordon Nelki.
Charlie and Gordon have wide-ranging tastes in pop music and one day they decided to create something a little bit different. Paul Hardcastle’s 19 was one of their earlier successes. Having worked together on one of their project, the trio conceived a new concept based around largely instrumental jazz-based tunes with an ‘economical’ use of lyrics — quite unconventional by today’s chart standards.
In October 1998 they released a single Would You…? that reached number 3 in the UK charts, remained in the top ten for a month and soon became a hit all over Europe and many other parts of the world. The single sold half a million copies around the world, and was included on hundreds of compilations whose total sales exceed ten million copies.
Finally in 1999 the whole album was released. Touch And Go’s album, I Find You Very Attractive followed up the success of Would You…? and included three more singles Straight To Number One, So Hot, and Tango In Harlem, all of which are widely played on radio throughout Europe, especially in Eastern Europe where Touch and Go is one of the UK’s best-known acts.
Despite the fact that all the songs are different, they are all based on latin, jazz and instrumental climats with energetic James Lynch’s trumpet and Vanessa Lancaster’s sexy vocal. Listening to some of them you would feel like dancing samba with Brazilian girls during a carnival in Rio de Janeiro (Mein Freund Harvey, Would You…? (Trailermen go to Rio edit) or hot jive at a summertime party (Straight to… number one, Would You…). On the other you can also find some relaxing song like Tango in Harlem, Life’s a Beach or more jazzing ones like Big Beat or Ecoutez, Repetez. That is why the album is great for almost every occasion.
Unfortunately I Find You Very Attractive was the first and the last Touch and Go’s album… But on the other hand, it is better to release one great that five poor ones.
I recommend this album with full responsibility to everyone who loves good music. You have to check it out!
Artist: Celine Dion Album: D’eux Label: Colubia Europe
She has one of the most powerful and unmistikable voices in the world. Dion created this great album with famous french musician Jean- Jacques Goldman who composed every song on this highly acclaimed french album released in 1995. There is a big difference when Celine is singing in french and in english for two reasons: first of all, she came from Quebec, french-speaking part of Canada, so she seems to be more natural in that language version. And if french is the language of love, what better language is there to express love? She thinks (and in case of that album she is absolutely right) the love song sound better in french. „D’eux” is full of lirycs telling about many kind of love: relation between lovers, family members, between God and a man. This is a real style’s mixture: you can admire sentimental ballads („La memoire d’Abraham”, „J’attendais”), energetic rock songs („J'irai Ou Tu Iras”) and smooth blues lirycs („Le ballet”), but don’t worry, it’s a great combination. Beautiful ballad „Pour que tu m’aimes encore”, a romantic „request” for love, is one of the most popular french lyrics played very often in polish radio. It was first and unforgettable track promoting „D’eux” all over the world. „Vole”, the poignant final track is worth to be noticed, especially because it’s related to her private life. Celine got this song from Goldman when they were almost finishing their work on this material. It’s telling about her niece who suffered from temninal illness. It takes courage to sing about so painful memories although she went through this. Now we have impression that this is a song dedicated for those who lost faith, is a song bringing at the same time compassion and new hope. If You’re looking for something that help you to relaxe and to make you to look at your life in a positive way – that’s a good decision to buy this album. You won’t regret it!
Artist: Celine Dion Album: D’eux Label: Colubia Europe
She has one of the most powerful and unmistikable voices in the world. Dion created this great album with famous french musician Jean- Jacques Goldman who composed every song on this highly acclaimed french album released in 1995. There is a big difference when Celine is singing in french and in english for two reasons: first of all, she came from Quebec, french-speaking part of Canada, so she seems to be more natural in that language version. And if french is the language of love, what better language is there to express love? She thinks (and in case of that album she is absolutely right) the love song sound better in french. „D’eux” is full of lirycs telling about many kind of love: relation between lovers, family members, between God and a man. This is a real style’s mixture: you can admire sentimental ballads („La memoire d’Abraham”, „J’attendais”), energetic rock songs („J'irai Ou Tu Iras”) and smooth blues lirycs („Le ballet”), but don’t worry, it’s a great combination. Beautiful ballad „Pour que tu m’aimes encore”, a romantic „request” for love, is one of the most popular french lyrics played very often in polish radio. It was first and unforgettable track promoting „D’eux” all over the world. „Vole”, the poignant final track is worth to be noticed, especially because it’s related to her private life. Celine got this song from Goldman when they were almost finishing their work on this material. It’s telling about her niece who suffered from temninal illness. It takes courage to sing about so painful memories although she went through this. Now we have impression that this is a song dedicated for those who lost faith, is a song bringing at the same time compassion and new hope. If You’re looking for something that help you to relaxe and to make you to look at your life in a positive way – that’s a good decision to buy this album. You won’t regret it!
Concert of Myslovitz in Mysłowice 1st September 2004.
It had been about to be one of the biggest concerts in the history of Mysłowice, and it was indeed. Two weeks of preparations, 40 000 people, town council, guests from abroad and many more concert’s guests of honour. This event happens very rarely, does not it ??
The music band “Myslovitz”, which took its name after the name of their members’ hometown, prepared unforgettable show for Mysłowice and other cities. It took place in Mysłowice – Słupna, big sport resort, in the 1st of September 2004.
In the beginning “Myslovitz” reminded of its best pieces, e.g. “O Peggy Brown”, “Długość dźwiętku samotnośći”. During this part, hundreds throats were signing with the band together, showing how well they know the band’s best songs. The atmosphere was great, even fabulous. What’s more, during this part some people were offered to sing through a microphone, sometimes it was really funny, especially when one drunk guy was singing “Acidland”. This part was being warmed up by some cute and smart girls, who were dancing on the scene. They did it very well, that’s way they got very warm applause.
The second part was a kind of competition about the knowledge of “Myslovitz”. Some people were invited to the scene and were being asked for many details of “Myslovitz”. This part also went very well, with a lot of laugh, funny situations and amazing answers sometimes.
During the third part, “Myslovitz was presenting its new album, which was wonderful as well. But this time, not many people knew how to sing those new songs. That’s way Artur Rojek the “main body” of “Myslovitz” was helping people to learn the songs.
The whole event ended with a big show of flares of fireworks, which could be seen from distance of 2 kilometres. After that, people were clapping for about 30 minutes encouraging the members of “Myslovitz” to sing once again.
This concert was a big success for “Myslovitz” and Mysłowice too. Perfect organization, good reviews from invited guests, some advertisements in media, gave them very well notes. Nobody who attended this concert did not regret. People could take a relax and at last something great happened in this gloomy city.
6 comments:
Mando Diao
"Ode to Ochrasy"
This is the third album of Swedish band Mando Diao released in 2006. It's different from previous accomplishments, but still has indie feeling, either in melodious rock tunes or in calm, mild ballads. Their compositions have been always inspired by music of early 60' - bands like The Beatles or The Kinks exerted great influence on them. Their first LP recorded in basement sounded quite rough, but authentic at the same time, as if it was recorded 40 years ago. "Ode to Ochrasy" has the same old soul, but technically is distinctly better.
The band covered a long distance since Gustaf Noren and Bjorn Dixgard - two friends from industrial town of Borlange, Sweden, started to play music. Both were playing guitar and both wanted to sing, and it wasn't problem to them to make a deal. Each has his own songs, so they can exchanging each other during concert, which they find really convenient. Soon to this promising duet joined Samuel Giers - drummer, Carl Johan Fogelklou - bass player and Matts Bjorke - hey.
Let's focus on the album and its first song "Welcome home Luc Robitaille", which is very energetic and spry, but lyrics are somewhat bitter. It was written by Gustaf and it's his reflection about childhood. In following tune, "Killer Kaczynski", pace isn't any slower. The song is imposing frantic atmosphere, with aggressive guitars, trumpets in chorus and Bjorn screaming at the top of his voice. Then we have "Long before Rock'n'Roll" which appeal lies in double vocal - it isn't usual for them to sing together in one song, previously it happened only once on their second album. However this uncommon co-operation isn't the only advantage of this lively piece. Other tracks which deserve a mention are: “Tony Zoulias (lustful life)”, song with interesting introduction played on piano that often opens Mando Diao’s shows; “Josephine”, slow, with drums in the foreground and – this time – sensitive Bjorn’s voice who tells sad story of girl who became drug addict; “Good Morning Herr Horst”, short one, yet unique on this album, seems to be a joke, with western feeling, we can almost see Bjorn walking down the street, wearing cowboy boots, singing “So if you see me on the street/ Don't ask me about my passing days/ Just slip another coin/ And walk away”. The time has come to say something about poignant final track, which indeed stands out and in my opinion is absolute masterpiece, supreme punchline for this album. Song is called just “Ochrasy”, word thought up by Bjorn which define peculiar period of time between 4 and 5 AM, when most unexpected things can happen. The song, even if its calm, simply crushes you, especially when performed live . Concentration and engagement, just Bjorn and gentle sound of his guitar.
Rating: *****
Touch And Go is not exactly a band, it is rather a musical project made by television composer David Lowe, veteran radio presenter and music journalist Charlie Gillett and co-founder of Oval Music, Gordon Nelki.
Charlie and Gordon have wide-ranging tastes in pop music and one day they decided to create something a little bit different. Paul Hardcastle’s 19 was one of their earlier successes. Having worked together on one of their project, the trio conceived a new concept based around largely instrumental jazz-based tunes with an ‘economical’ use of lyrics — quite unconventional by today’s chart standards.
In October 1998 they released a single Would You…? that reached number 3 in the UK charts, remained in the top ten for a month and soon became a hit all over Europe and many other parts of the world. The single sold half a million copies around the world, and was included on hundreds of compilations whose total sales exceed ten million copies.
Finally in 1999 the whole album was released. Touch And Go’s album, I Find You Very Attractive followed up the success of Would You…? and included three more singles Straight To Number One, So Hot, and Tango In Harlem, all of which are widely played on radio throughout Europe, especially in Eastern Europe where Touch and Go is one of the UK’s best-known acts.
Despite the fact that all the songs are different, they are all based on latin, jazz and instrumental climats with energetic James Lynch’s trumpet and Vanessa Lancaster’s sexy vocal. Listening to some of them you would feel like dancing samba with Brazilian girls during a carnival in Rio de Janeiro (Mein Freund Harvey, Would You…? (Trailermen go to Rio edit) or hot jive at a summertime party (Straight to… number one, Would You…). On the other you can also find some relaxing song like Tango in Harlem, Life’s a Beach or more jazzing ones like Big Beat or Ecoutez, Repetez. That is why the album is great for almost every occasion.
Unfortunately I Find You Very Attractive was the first and the last Touch and Go’s album… But on the other hand, it is better to release one great that five poor ones.
I recommend this album with full responsibility to everyone who loves good music. You have to check it out!
Artist: Celine Dion
Album: D’eux
Label: Colubia Europe
She has one of the most powerful and unmistikable voices in the world. Dion created this great album with famous french musician Jean- Jacques Goldman who composed every song on this highly acclaimed french album released in 1995.
There is a big difference when Celine is singing in french and in english for two reasons: first of all, she came from Quebec, french-speaking part of Canada, so she seems to be more natural in that language version. And if french is the language of love, what better language is there to express love? She thinks (and in case of that album she is absolutely right) the love song sound better in french.
„D’eux” is full of lirycs telling about many kind of love: relation between lovers, family members, between God and a man.
This is a real style’s mixture: you can admire sentimental ballads („La memoire d’Abraham”, „J’attendais”), energetic rock songs („J'irai Ou Tu Iras”) and smooth blues lirycs („Le ballet”), but don’t worry, it’s a great combination.
Beautiful ballad „Pour que tu m’aimes encore”, a romantic „request” for love, is one of the most popular french lyrics played very often in polish radio. It was first and unforgettable track promoting „D’eux” all over the world.
„Vole”, the poignant final track is worth to be noticed, especially because it’s related to her private life. Celine got this song from Goldman when they were almost finishing their work on this material. It’s telling about her niece who suffered from temninal illness. It takes courage to sing about so painful memories although she went through this. Now we have impression that this is a song dedicated for those who lost faith, is a song bringing at the same time compassion and new hope.
If You’re looking for something that help you to relaxe and to make you to look at your life in a positive way – that’s a good decision to buy this album. You won’t regret it!
Rating: *****
Artist: Celine Dion
Album: D’eux
Label: Colubia Europe
She has one of the most powerful and unmistikable voices in the world. Dion created this great album with famous french musician Jean- Jacques Goldman who composed every song on this highly acclaimed french album released in 1995.
There is a big difference when Celine is singing in french and in english for two reasons: first of all, she came from Quebec, french-speaking part of Canada, so she seems to be more natural in that language version. And if french is the language of love, what better language is there to express love? She thinks (and in case of that album she is absolutely right) the love song sound better in french.
„D’eux” is full of lirycs telling about many kind of love: relation between lovers, family members, between God and a man.
This is a real style’s mixture: you can admire sentimental ballads („La memoire d’Abraham”, „J’attendais”), energetic rock songs („J'irai Ou Tu Iras”) and smooth blues lirycs („Le ballet”), but don’t worry, it’s a great combination.
Beautiful ballad „Pour que tu m’aimes encore”, a romantic „request” for love, is one of the most popular french lyrics played very often in polish radio. It was first and unforgettable track promoting „D’eux” all over the world.
„Vole”, the poignant final track is worth to be noticed, especially because it’s related to her private life. Celine got this song from Goldman when they were almost finishing their work on this material. It’s telling about her niece who suffered from temninal illness. It takes courage to sing about so painful memories although she went through this. Now we have impression that this is a song dedicated for those who lost faith, is a song bringing at the same time compassion and new hope.
If You’re looking for something that help you to relaxe and to make you to look at your life in a positive way – that’s a good decision to buy this album. You won’t regret it!
Rating: *****
Concert of Myslovitz in Mysłowice
1st September 2004.
It had been about to be one of the biggest concerts in the history of Mysłowice, and it was indeed. Two weeks of preparations, 40 000 people, town council, guests from abroad and many more concert’s guests of honour. This event happens very rarely, does not it ??
The music band “Myslovitz”, which took its name after the name of their members’ hometown, prepared unforgettable show for Mysłowice and other cities. It took place in Mysłowice – Słupna, big sport resort, in the 1st of September 2004.
In the beginning “Myslovitz” reminded of its best pieces, e.g. “O Peggy Brown”, “Długość dźwiętku samotnośći”.
During this part, hundreds throats were signing with the band together, showing how well they know the band’s best songs. The atmosphere was great, even fabulous. What’s more, during this part some people were offered to sing through a microphone, sometimes it was really funny, especially when one drunk guy was singing “Acidland”. This part was being warmed up by some cute and smart girls, who were dancing on the scene. They did it very well, that’s way they got very warm applause.
The second part was a kind of competition about the knowledge of “Myslovitz”. Some people were invited to the scene and were being asked for many details of “Myslovitz”. This part also went very well, with a lot of laugh, funny situations and amazing answers sometimes.
During the third part, “Myslovitz was presenting its new album, which was wonderful as well. But this time, not many people knew how to sing those new songs. That’s way Artur Rojek the “main body” of “Myslovitz” was helping people to learn the songs.
The whole event ended with a big show of flares of fireworks, which could be seen from distance of 2 kilometres. After that, people were clapping for about 30 minutes encouraging the members of “Myslovitz” to sing once again.
This concert was a big success for “Myslovitz” and Mysłowice too. Perfect organization, good reviews from invited guests, some advertisements in media, gave them very well notes. Nobody who attended this concert did not regret. People could take a relax and at last something great happened in this gloomy city.
I am very curious about Myslovitz now. Great review Michal :-)
Post a Comment